KIDDERMINSTER Carolians are steadily climbing toward mid-table in Midlands Three West North after seeing off Willenhall 17-12 for their second win of the season.

In torrential rain and tricky conditions, KCs worked hard right up until the final whistle and despite a few scares were good value for the victory.

The Marlpool Lane men welcomed back forward Mark Cleeton and his experience, along with the enthusiasm of KCs younger contingent did the trick.

Director of rugby Phil Knowles is reaping the rewards of his decision to introduce young blood as they gain in terms of confidence and ability.

It took KCs just five minutes to open the scoring with James Whitehouse's try finishing off a smart move involving Cleeton, Matt Rigsby and Andy Stooksbury who added the conversion.

The wet weather continued to play its part with the kickers finding it particularly difficult and the posts were hit on two occasions.

Kidderminster were playing well, but Willenhall threatened from time to time and their heavier pack was in good form.

In the 17th minute KCs increased their lead when Whitehouse crossed again for an unconverted try as KCs began to dominate. Willenhall missed two penalties close to the posts as the half wore on but they did get on the scoreboard just before the break.Their pack pushed Kiddermin-ster over the line, enabling scrum half Richard Dunkley to touch down and make it 12-5 at the interval.

The incessant rain was not conducive to good rugby and with Willenhall keeping KCs penned in their own half it took until the 54th minute for the hosts to add to their score.

Matt Poole took a ball in the line and fed scrum half Leon Toms who sprinted clear and scored a very good try to put KCs 17-5 in front.

Willenhall were still looking dangerous and it took some much improved defending from KCs to keep them out.

They did grab another try on the hour mark when Robert Dunkley went over and Ian Harris added the extras but KCs held on to win.

The front row, BenTurner, Tom Maher, and Paul Drew coped well with the opposition, while the two wingers, Ambrogio Neri and Andy Webber once again looked good.

On Saturday KCs travel to second-place Camp Hill who are in a rich vein of form. The second and thirds, who were without fixtures last weekend, take on Luctonians with the seconds at home and the thirds away.

All of the matches kick off at 3pm.